For many, Valentine’s Day is a day full of love and romance, but for others, it can be lonely and difficult.

One student sought to spread the love outside the W.E.B. Du Bois Library in the simplest way: by offering free hugs.

The sophomore communications student, who wished to remain anonymous, held a whiteboard saying, “This day can be rough, so hug me if you need one,” with a smiley face drawn at the bottom. He wore a mask over his mouth and over his eyes to maintain anonymity.

This wasn’t his first rodeo; the anonymous hugger performed the same act of kindness throughout the fall semester. 

“I see a lot of people feeling really down and it’s just something that I really can’t stand to see,” he said. “I feel like I have to do something about it, and that’s why I’m here. I love doing this. It’s what really makes my heart beat.”

The student’s kind act came full circle.

“Someone put something in my backpack,” he said. “I have no idea what it is because, obviously, I can’t see. I’m leaving it till the end.”

Someone had placed a red rose in the pocket of his backpack.

May we all strive to follow in the steps of the UMass anonymous hugger. 

Happy Valentine’s Day.